Stock of Bahai optician in Karaj expropriated

The entire stock of an opticians shop formerly run by Farrokh Bandi (فرخ بندی) and Behnam Ellahi (بهنام نبی اللهی), two Bahais living in Karaj, was seized by the authorities on October 11. The shop has been sealed since November 9, 2016. After seizing the contents of the shop, it was resealed. The owners were forced to gather their property together and load it into a rental van, which they were required to pay for. The property confiscated by the government included glasses and accessories, and equipment for making glasses.

Iran Press Watch translates another report which adds: “It is noteworthy that this is the second forced closure and seal of Mr. Bandi’s shop by authorities in less than a year (November 2016). Despite Mr. Bandi’s frequent follow-ups with authorities regarding this closure, the judiciary has not reversed the closure order and, in fact, has informed him that the store will only be opened upon its sale. It is of note that several of the Mr. Bandi’s customers have refrained from purchasing items from his store due to the threats by the security forces.”